Last reviewed:
May 5th 2023
LSW
Although the risk of dementia increases as people age, it is not a normal part of aging and does not always occur as people get older. Many people experience forgetfulness and slowed thinking as they age, but it may not always be a sign of dementia. It can be useful to understand the difference between signs of dementia and normal aging to know when to seek professional help.
Dementia is a group of neurological conditions that affect cognitive function and are caused by damage or degeneration to parts of the brain [1]. There are several types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Alzheimer’s is the most common, with this type of dementia affecting over 60% of people with the condition [1][2].
The different types of dementia can cause slightly different symptoms, depending on the part of the brain that becomes damaged, but most types of dementia cause similar symptoms, affecting memory, speech and language, and concentration, as well as sometimes causing movement difficulties and changes in mood and behavior [3].
Typically, signs of dementia will start gradually, becoming increasingly worse with time and having increasing impacts on daily functioning [2].
Symptoms of dementia include [2][3]:
Most types of dementia are more likely to occur after the age of 65, with the risk increasing steadily with age [3]. However, dementia is not a normal part of aging, and many people do not experience any signs of dementia as they age, continuing to experience normal or only slightly impaired cognitive functioning throughout their lives [4].
It is common for people to experience changes in their cognitive abilities as they age, as our brains and bodies go through the normal aging process [5].
Even the healthiest individuals can experience moments of forgetfulness or confusion, and while this may be frustrating, it does not greatly impair functioning in daily life, professional performance, or interpersonal relationships in the same way that symptoms of dementia can [6].
Signs of normal aging can include [5][7]:
The following table includes examples of what could be considered a sign of dementia compared to what is likely a sign of normal aging.
The signs of dementia can vary from person to person and between the different types of dementia, so the following examples may not always occur, or might be to a differing degree of severity [3]. Similarly, other signs of dementia can occur that are not listed below.
Some of the following signs of dementia could also occur in the context of a different condition entirely, such as depression, psychosis, and other mental health disorders, certain medical conditions, and other types of cognitive impairment that do not classify as dementia [4].
As such, if you experience any of the listed signs of dementia, seek professional advice to receive an appropriate and correct diagnosis.
|
Sign of dementia |
Sign of normal aging |
Memory |
|
|
Language |
|
|
Planning and decision-making |
|
|
Orientation to time and place |
|
|
Learning |
|
|
Mood |
|
|
Behavior |
|
|
If you are experiencing any of the above warning signs and are concerned that they could be related to dementia rather than normal aging, it is advised to seek professional advice as early as possible [2]. A doctor can help you to determine if these signs are due to dementia and provide an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for you.
Although there is no cure for dementia, there are various treatment options that can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and help with living with dementia. Treatment for dementia may include [8][9]:
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